Zoe’s research focuses on microbial activity in soil around plant roots (the rhizosphere), including how water fluxes driven by plants affect resource availability, local conditions, and biogeochemistry in the rhizosphere.

Kristin studies the adaptability of phytoplankton and zooplankton life history strategy; she applies her interests to investigate environmentally induced maternal effects, the molecular mechanisms of aging, and plankton community response to anthropogenic ecosystem change.

Jerry is interested in how human activities are altering the biogeochemistry of terrestrial ecosystems and especially how global changes are affecting the chemistry of the atmosphere and the overall climate system.

Ed synthesizes field and laboratory data using simulation models to study how plants and microbes optimize their use of resources like carbon, nitrogen, light and water, and how that optimization might influence the response of ecosystems to global change.

Loretta’s research investigates coral bleaching and growth by studying the gene activity of Caribbean coral. Her interests include anthropogenic impacts on coastal marine communities as well as the physiology, ecology, and evolution of eelgrass and coral reef communities.

Gus’s research is focused on the role of plants in ecosystem element cycles, especially in Alaskan tundra ecosystems, where low temperatures, low light intensities, low nutrient availability, and a short growing season all interact to limit plant growth.